Life & Work with Geoffrey Kelly of Lawrence

Today we’d like to introduce you to OxyToxin. Them and their team share their story with us below:

OxyToxin is a four-piece alternative metal band from Lawrence, Kansas.

Geoff Kelly: Lead vocals/guitar
Nick Brown: Guitar/backing vocals
Jamsion Wheat: Bass/backing vocals
Evan Byers: Drums

Influences: Tool, System of a Down, Lamb of God, Black Flag, Rush, Misfits, Deftones, Stone Temple Pilots, Frank Iero, Lenny Kilmister

Geoff and Evan are childhood friends and current roommates that have been playing music together since their early teens. They are the founding members of OxyToxin.

Geoff Kelly is the driving force for OxyToxin’s continued momentum. A musician at his very core, Geoff is dedicated to his craft to the point of being stubborn– if he wants to learn a new technique or instrument, he ruthlessly pursues it and does not stop until he’s mastered it. Most of all, he has unshakable confidence in the band’s potential. His powerful yet melodic vocals, unique phrased guitar parts, and raging creative energy define the band’s essence.

Evan Byers is one of the most dedicated musicians and spends most of his free time playing the drums and developing new skills. Although he always seems out of sight in every on-stage band photo, his syncopated and innovative style is a foundational component of the group’s sound.

Jamison Wheat joined the band after a mutual friend pointed him in Geoff’s direction. They sealed the deal after a single jam session. His unceasing enthusiasm, high-energy/driving basslines, and magnetic stage presence add an electrifying component to every live show.

Nick Brown, the band’s most recent addition, joined in a less-conventional way: by posting a Craiglist ad seeking a new band the same week that Geoff was searching for a guitarist. He clicked with the other three immediately, both as musicians and friends. His dedication and the diverse array of talent he brings have been an indispensable component of the band’s success.

After the band made it through the Covid pandemic, Geoff tirelessly messaged every band, venue, and promoter in the Kansas City area until the Boobie Trap Bar in Topeka took him up on a show late 2021. They packed the house, which was impressive considering they didn’t go on until midnight. Things took off after that– they’ve consistently played at least five shows a month since that show.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The band got their start in late 2019, and after practicing their asses off and refining their sound, they booked shows starting in March of 2020. Then, the craziest thing happened. Because of quarantine and the temporary disappearance of live music, they decided to home-record a self-titled EP. It took a while to get things back together, but they came back better than ever in late 2021 with over a year of mastering, refining, and perfecting their sound.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We have a unique yet accessible sound with deep attention to detail. Quality over quantity. High-energy live shows with new sets every night, distinctive improvisations/jams, covers that compete with the original, banjos, and a bassist that moshes with the crowd; you never know what will happen at an OxyToxin show.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oxytoxin.onuniverse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxytoxinband/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/0xyt0xin/?_rdr
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/OxytoxinLFK
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSjJgz5sGczkXggi_5f1gdA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-716179117

Image Credits
Live photo: Bryan Byers Logo: Emmett Mandala